ENGLISH
REFERENCE

maize

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmeɪz// UK //mˈeɪz// maize

n. a tall plant that grows large yellow seeds on a cob. Most people in the US call this plant corn.

n. a tall cereal plant that produces large grains, or kernels, set in rows on a cob. Often used in technical, agricultural, or international contexts to distinguish it from other cereal crops.


SIMPLE

Farmers in this region grow maize to feed their cattle.

CONTEXTUAL

The local economy depends heavily on the maize harvest, which provides both food and fuel for the community.

COMPLEX

Genetic evidence suggests that maize was domesticated from a wild grass in central Mexico several thousand years ago, eventually becoming a staple crop across the Americas.

Synonyms
Usage

Uncountable when referring to the crop or the grain in bulk; can be countable in botanical contexts when referring to specific varieties.

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